2 GHz Relocation Deadline Extended to March 5, 2008

Sprint Nextel Corp. has at least another 30 days, until March 5, 2008, to clear broadcasters from the 1990-2025 MHz of the old 2 GHz broadcast auxiliary services (BAS) band. Sprint’s obligation, under the terms to the 800 MHz Order, was to complete relocation of all BAS facilities in the band by Sept. 7, 2007.

In granting the latest extension, the commission noted that all interested parties are negotiating in good faith and that the additional time will allow it to consider a Joint Petition for Waiver filed by Sprint Nextel, NAB, the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) filed on Sept. 4, 2007 and a Consensus Plan filed by the same groups on Dec. 6, 2007.

“We take this action without expressing any judgment on the merits of the Joint Petition,” the FCC said.

The deadline for the relocation was Sept. 7, 2007, but that deadline was not met. Sprint Nextel, the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), NAB and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) filed a Joint Petition asking the FCC to waive the transition deadline for an additional twenty-nine months.

On behalf of Sprint Nextel, I'd like to thank TV Technology for providing this space to share information and progress on the 2 GHz relocation, an issue of great importance to many. Many of you know that the FCC has mandated 800 MHz band reconfiguration in order to eliminate 800 MHz public safety radio interference.

The FCC has released the Order (FCC 04-168) with details on how Nextel will be allowed to receive spectrum in the 1.9 GHz band, including part of the existing 2 GHz broadcast auxiliary band, if it meets specific obligations to return spectrum in the 800 MHz band to be used in a new band plan to eliminate interference

The Association for Maximum Service Telecasters (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have joined with Nextel in proposing a plan for moving broadcasters out of the 1990-2025 MHz portion of the broadcast auxiliary service (BAS) band. Under the proposal, Nextel would reimburse broadcasters for the co